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T O P I C R E V I E W

music_space

I noticed that in recent months they began using a hand-held microphone ressembling the famed Shure SM-58 voice microphone aboard the space station. Does anyone know if it is the real deal or some imitation?

This microphone, with its characteristic spherical grid and tapering black handle, is commonly used on stage because it rejects ambiant noise (vocalists typically monitor themselves at high volume -- a gripe for everyone else on stage!). More specifically, it can be used very close to the mouth (you're supposed to feel your lips graze its round grid) with built-in de-emphasis on low frequencies to compensate for the so-called "proximity effect" common to cardioïd-patterned microphones.

It's the real deal, though it's a Beta 58. During the STS-119 mission, it was placed on a stand in front of the UPA in order to capture the processing sounds. There was a camera trained on it during this process; and I remember seeing the Shure badge on the mic, indicating that it was a Beta and not the SM.

Which, if you think about it, makes sense. The hyper-cardioid pattern of the Beta gives a little more leeway in the sweet spot for people who may not have excellent mic technique, while having excellent noise rejection in the nulls.

At any rate, the quality difference between the small-capsule condensers in the normal radio mics and the Beta 58 is pretty stunning. Here's hoping the comms on Orion will be as clear.

music_space

All right then: it's a Shure Beta 58 vocal microphone. Boy! I wish for them to bring this baby back on earth after decommission for my collection! I'll settle for the XLR signal cable attached to it if need be...

Note to all of those of us who speak in public: while smaller microphones found in public-address systems (such as those used on the Oscar Awards lectern) are meant to be used from a distance, those '58 will not carry well your all-important message about space unless you speak really close to it.